The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow construction on a $400 million White House ballroom project to continue during appeal. The administration argues that the president has the authority to renovate the White House and that the project is necessary for national security.

Background

A lower court had ordered the construction to be halted, citing that Congress had not approved the project. The administration is appealing the decision, arguing that the president has the authority to make decisions about the White House.

The ballroom project has been under construction for 10 months and is approximately 65% finished. The administration says that the work is on time and under budget, with approximately $400 million in private donations.

Presidential Authority

The Trump administration argues that the president, not Congress or the courts, has unimpeded authority to renovate the White House. The administration also says that the National Trust for Historic Preservation does not have the legal right to sue over the ballroom.

The case has sparked debate about the limits of presidential authority and the role of the courts in overseeing executive branch decisions.

Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.